Rensselaer County Legislators – Republican Legislative Campaign Committee News Release

Republican Legislators to Hold Victory Party Jan. 21

John Faso Among Featured Guests

Rensselaer County's Republican Legislature team will celebrate big wins in the 2009 election with a victory party on January 21, with John Faso among the guests expected to attend.

The event will be held Thursday, January 21 at Paulo Lombardi's, 104 West Sand Lake Road (Route 150), in North Greenbush from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Republican legislators won 13 seats in the 19 member legislative body in the 2009 elections, the fourth consecutive time the GOP has captured a veto-proof majority. Members of the Republican team elected to the County Legislature include Chairman Martin Reid, Vice Chairman Stan Brownell, Majority Leader Ken Herrington, Leon Fiacco, Phil Danaher, Lou Desso, Michael Cristo, Thomas Walsh Sr., Richard Salisbury, Alex Shannon, Judith Breselor, Lester Goodermote and Mike Stammel.

Former Assembly Minority Leader and 2006 gubernatorial candidate John Faso is expected to attend the victory party, along with other county, state and local officials.

Tickets for the event will be available at the door on the evening of the event.

(For more information regarding this news release, please call 928-1920)

Rensselaer County Legislators – Republican Legislative Campaign Committee News Release

District 5: Lester Goodermote

Towns of Hoosick, Petersburgh, Grafton, Berlin and Stephentown

Rensselaer County Legislator Lester Goodermote announced he will be seeking re-election, saying he wants to continue to be an advocate for taxpayers and county residents.

Together with his legislative colleague Stan Brownell, Goodermote approved a 2009 county budget that did not raise property taxes. Despite the difficult economy, Goodermote helped protect needed county services.

The county has also received favorable reviews of its fiscal management policies, including an upgrade in the county credit rating. Those reviews show county residents the county is moving in the right direction, said Goodermote.

"We are very proud of the fact that we were able to hold the line on taxes and protect needed services during a very tough economy. It was a tough fight to hold the line, but the fight was worth it," said Goodermote.

Rensselaer County Legislators – Republican Legislative Campaign Committee News Release

District 5: Stan Brownell

Towns of Hoosick, Petersburgh, Grafton, Berlin and Stephentown

Legislator Stan Brownell has announced his candidacy for re-election, saying he wants to continue working to provide needed services to county residents and protect quality of life.

Brownell approved a 2009 county budget that did not raise property taxes and also supported policies that resulted in an upgrade of the county's credit rating. Brownell also helped protect needed county services for seniors, veterans and youths during a tough economic climate.

"Residents are dealing with the effects of a tough economy and I am proud of the fact Rensselaer County held the line on taxes and protected services when they are needed most," said Brownell.

Brownell also joined with his legislative colleague Lester Goodermote to advocate for tough laws in the State of Vermont to protect children from paroled sex offenders. Brownell and Goodermote's efforts helped spur calls in Vermont for tougher laws.

Rensselaer County Legislators – Republican Legislative Campaign Committee News Release

District 1: Michael Picarillo

City of Troy

Rensselaer County Legislator Michael Picarillo said he is disappointed the Rensselaer County Board of Elections is preventing his nickname of "Pickles" from appearing on the ballot, and says it is retaliation for the Democrats being exposed in the forgery and fraud scandal.

Picarillo has been known as "Pickles" for forty years. While believing he is correct on the issue, Picarillo announced today he will not challenge the ruling to ensure military ballots are delivered on time.

"I am disappointed Democrats have chosen to retaliate by working to prevent my nickname ‘Pickles' appearing on the ballot. It is unfair to the voters, and unfair to the electoral process," said Picarillo.

Rensselaer County Legislators – Republican Legislative Campaign Committee News Release

District 1: Jim Brearton

City of Troy

Rensselaer County Legislator Jim Brearton has received the endorsement of the Troy Area Labor Council in his bid for re-election as a representative of the City of Troy.

The Troy Area Labor Council represents 10,000 households in Rensselaer County. Brearton said he is proud to have received the support of the Labor Council for his campaign.

Brearton received the endorsement following an interview with members of the Labor Council's executive board. The Labor Council plays a particularly important role given the current difficult economy.

 

Rensselaer County Legislators – Republican Legislative Campaign Committee News Release

District 3: Thomas Walsh Sr.

Towns of Brunswick, Pittstown and Schaghticoke

With a record of improving public safety and protecting quality of life in Rensselaer County, Vice Chairman of the Legislature Thomas Walsh Sr. announced he will seek re-election.

Walsh approved a 2009 county budget that did not raise taxes, and also helped bring about an upgrade in the county's credit rating. Walsh said he is proud of his record of protecting needed county services during difficult financial times.

"I am very proud of the fact that we have kept taxes stable in recent years, and seen the county's financial ratings be upgraded during tough economic times. We also protected services for seniors, veterans and youths," said Walsh.